Nowthen City Council — Transcript
Monday, August 17, 2026
Preliminary Budget and General Fund Levy
Festival and Event Funding
Staffing, Salaries, and Benefits
Park Capital Improvements and Maintenance
Recycling Center Operations and Finances
Debt Service and Future Capital Projects
Road and Infrastructure Projects
Fire Department Equipment and Training
Votes (1)
Preliminary Budget Discussion (2027)
The meeting primarily focused on a comprehensive review of the 2027 preliminary budget. Key discussions included the proposed 9.9% levy increase, the use of fund balance, and the allocation of funds across various departments and capital projects. Council members raised specific questions about festival funding transparency, the financial impact of staffing changes, the high cost of park improvements (doors, signs), the recycling center's utility expenses and profitability, and the adequacy of fire department equipment funding. There was a strong emphasis on requesting more detailed estimates and staff input for subsequent budget meetings.
Notable Quotes (9)
we are now only using a small portion of fund balance with $2,000. uh of general fund reserves to pay for the now then festivals.
The new proposed levy is $230,890. What that represents is that this year in 2026, um it looks like we're going to use about $98,000 of fund balance specifically for operating costs.
So we know the most expensive thing is public works followed by public safety which is a sheriff's contract and followed by city administration.
But I'm just I'm just curious about how the how it whether it was beneficial financially or whether we spent significantly more money >> on the just on the seasonal employees in summer.
Why are why are we continuing to offer to to collect newspaper.
our gas costs in at the at the recycling center went up 84.45% over the previous year, but the heated degree days only went up 2.945%. So, I think we need to do a better job of managing the set points and and setbacks in the uh in the recycling center because that's a that's a significant spike in uh the use of natural gas.
I would rather include it and be transparent than try to separate it out and confuse anybody.
Why $30,000 for the doors on the bathrooms? Is there something wrong with the doors that are there? Yes. It was in the statement. Yeah. The cost seems like crazy.
We've also been replacing wood chips and rocks for a long time >> with and and not having to budget a third more over time. So, if there's something that we're going above and beyond, it's worth a discussion with council to go is this how far do we want to go?
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
A memo included in the packet that was acknowledged but not presented.
The foundational document for the evening's preliminary budget discussion.
The main financial document under discussion for 2027.
Specific budget proposal detailing the general fund tax levy.
Proposed action to correct an error in the front desk receptionist's step chart.
General Ledger code, discussed for clearer categorization of festival expenses.
Tax and Transfer statements, referenced for showing combined levy increases.
County system used for tracking recycling tonnage and client demographics.
Legal basis dictating the amount of park dedication fees.
Proposed study for the Salt Street road improvement project.
Agreement in place for the order of a double truck for equipment replacement.